Marine elevator



. H. BARLOW MARINE ELEVATOR April 21, 1931 Filed Dec 16, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR April 21,v 1931- v H. BARLOW 1 1,802,042

MARINE ELEVATOR Filed Dec. 16, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORN EY April 21, 1931. H. BARLOW MARINE ELEVATOR Filed Dec. 16, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR flail/y Bar/ow ATTORN EY A ril 21, 1931. H. BARLOW 1,802,042

MARINE ELEVATOR Filed Dec. 16, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Harry Ear/0w ATTORNE April 21, 1931. Low

MARINE ELEVATOR Filed Dec. 16 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 II I IN V EN TOR. Ha my 56: 2'10 w ATTORNEY,

April 21, 1931. H. BARLOW MARINE ELEVATOR Filed Dec.

16. 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. flier/y flaw/0w I I ATTORNEY.

Patented A r; 21, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARRY BARLOW, 01 PORT MADISON, WASHINGTON, ASSIGNOR TOBARLOW MARINE ELEVATOR CO. INC., OF SEATTLE, \VASHINGTON, A CQEPOEATIQN OF WASHINGTON MARINE ELEVATOR My invention relates ma marine elevator. More particularly my invention relates'to an elevator whose platform may be, moved endwise both when stationary as respects 5 a given level andwhile elevating or lowering, and which may be employed as an inclined slip or way, and when the platform is not in use may be positioned beneath the. dock deck so that the deck is left clear.

of illustration I will describe a marine application of myinvention under conditions obtaining on a dock to which a vessel may be I .mon practice of disposing fender logs along the water side of the dock to hold the vessel at a distance therefrom to protect the v es sels outside rigging.- Not only is thisswing-r moored for purposes of loading or unloading., My invention is directed particularly to solving the problem of loading and: unloading vessels where there istidal .variation? This term tidal variation herein includes both the difference in the level of fresh water in rivers or lakes where spring freshets and the summer droughts produce great variation in the levels of the water as well as Where variation is due to'true tidal actionobtaining in salt water. At the present time, one or more railroad tracks are commonly located lengthwise of the dock between the dockshedproper and the outer edge of thedock. It will be understood that the elevator is disposed transversely of these tracks, and it becomes necessary, therefore, to remove that section of the doc-k floor including said tracks, tion is immediately disposed above the elevator. This section must be moved andmaintaine'd out of the way before the elevator platform can be put into operation for loading or unloading. A primary object of my invention is to provide an elevator which accomplishes this by elevating said section of the dock deck so that said elevated section may not only be disposed in a position where it will not interfere with the operation of the elevator platform, but also maybe used directly as a bridge across which passengers or freight may move to the'second floorfof the dockshed while the elevator platform itself is being used to'remove freight or passengers from a lower deck of the vessel. Az-further condition obtains on marine docks in that it is important to have the dock outside ofthe For purposes of clearness and definiteness provide an elevator which satisfies the necessity of spanning the distance between the edge.

which sec- I vidingfree and ready accessto all parts'of the dock with varying forms of freight and particularly eliminates all interfering structures for traveling cranes, so that a primary purpose of my invention is to provide an elevator which may be disposed beneath the dock level when not in operation.

A primary object of my invention is to of thedock and the vessel owing to the coming out and in of the elevator platform'ejssential, but it is. necessary that said outward and inward swinging bepossiblefas.

different elevations of the platform with dif ferent degrees of magnitude of said outward and inward swinging at said different elevations in order that the changing level in cident to the tide may be fully satisfied.

This inward and outward swinging of'the elevator platform is necessitatedin part'by the fact that thevessel may havev alfiaring hull wall forward of midship, and a; fairly straight hull wall aft, hence, it is necessary to have an elevator that may be adapted to swinging outwardly and inwardly to contact the different decks and the different port openings as well as clear the diiferentdecks while movingdownand up. One purpose of 7 erating safety means toavoid injuring oper-.

A primary purpose of'my invention is to' ators.

provide an'elevator platform which may be used as an inclined slip or ramp under the following circumstances: (1) Where the variation in the level of the dock deck and that of the vessel isjrelatively small and the :truckers can easily operate over theplatform when inclined; (2) When it is desired to load passengers from different decks of the vessel, the

elevated-section being employed as'a passage way on the upper deck and the ramp for the passengers on the lower deck; (3) For unloading sheep or cattle, whereby said animals may continue in motion when once they are Started to be unloaded; (4) lVhen there is fire on the dock and the elctrical cables conducting power to the dock are damaged, so that the elevator mechanism is out or order, then the elevator platform herein described may be disposed manually into an inclined slip or ramp position, so that the loading or unloading of the vessel by way of escape for the passengers may proceed without interruption.

In operating as a slip provision should be made for the elevator platform to be inclined from the dock level to the deck of the ship and also should be adapted to be inclined to the dock deck from the deck of the vessel. A primary purpose of my invention is to provide an elevator which will satisfy these conditions.

A further primary object of my invention is to provide an elevator characterized by its simplicity in construction and efficiency in operation. The drum upon which the hoist- 7 ing cables are wound are preferably disposed upon one shaft and at the same time provision is made for keeping the cables taut at all times and free from fouling.

A further condition which is important in an elevator used for dock purposes is that the elevator platform should be free on all four sides, there being certain commodities of frei ht which are customarily stored outside 0 the dockshed, and, therefore, ready access must be had to the elevator platform not only across the ends, but also the sides, of the platform. A primary purpose of my invention is to provide an elevator platform which is substantially clear on all. four sides.

Also, a fundamental condition in marine elevators is flexibility, because the members of a dock and of construction mounted thereon are subject to being displaced by impact with the incoming vessel or by strains aris ing at the time of mooring. Lines being secured to the dock on both sides of the elevator formooring the vessel often are wound in by the wenches which tends to spring and distort the elevator opening and mounting structure. A primary purpose of my inven- .tion is to overcome this difficulty by providing an elevator which is suspended by flexible connections and also an elevator which in its various movements as throwout etc, is guided by flexible connections so that the operation of the elevator is rendered independent of the dock being distorted as indicated. there being no guides requiring nicety of fittings which would tend to bind the elevator platform in the event of the dock being put out of line.

Finally, a primary object of my invention is to provide an elevator which is characterized b its provision for safety to the men employec to passengers and freight by eliminating the human element.

The above mentioned general objects of my invention together with other inherent in the same, are attained by the mechanism illustrated in the following drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of my invention, throughout which drawings like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a marine elevator embodying my invention with the dock deck in normal position when the elevator platform is not in operation, the platform being in lowered position;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the same, showing the dock deck elevated by means of the latform to its upper position, to permit 0 the use of the platform thereunder; i.

Fig. 3 is a view in longitudinal section of the same with the platform in operative position with respect to the lower deck of a vessel;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same showing the elevator platform disposed as an inclined slip or ramp;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the hoisting drums and power means;

Fig. 6 is a sectional View on line 6.6 of" Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a cross section of the telescoping guide members on dotted line 7.7 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation of the telescoping member;

Fig. 9 is an end view of a marine elevator embodying my invention;

Fig. 10 is a side view of hatchway limiting switch;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view of roller' mounting means for the apron; and

Fig. 12 is a side view of the holding means which maintainsthe outer end in elevated position.

Piling (8) wooden or concrete, supports the usual dock deck (9). The motor (10) and directly associated gear mechanism is disposed within the dockshed (11) (see Figs. 1 and 9). Between the dockshed (11) and the outer edge of the dock, there may be disposed. one or more railroad tracks (13). A crane track (14) (one rail of which may be disposed on the dockshed roof (not shown) and one near the outer edge of the dock) provides for the dock supplementary unloading mechanism in addition to the elevator mechanism, said supplementary mechanism be ing employed for special types of freight.

A section (15) of the dock which is disposed immediately over the elevator platform (16) is provided with supporting guide posts (17 fixedly mounted thereon. T hose may be slidably disposed in dock frame (18). lVhen the section (15) is in elevated position the ends of said posts (17) rest in removable supports (19). These supports (19) maybe pivotally mounted at (20) and may be connected by rods (21 and 22) to lever mounted on shaft (2%)which shaft (24) is connected to the rods (21 and 22) on the opposite side by the short link (25) (Fig. 3). The removable supports have upturned Manifestly any attempt to move the lever while the weight of the section (15) rests in said pockets would cause the flanges of the seat to strike against the end portions of the posts (17). This feature then requires the operator to see that all truckers are off the elevator platform before he undertakes to move lever (23) and as he must lift section (15) by means of the elevator platform it is manifest he would necessarily first clear the elevator platform of all operators before moving lever (23). If it were not for this safety feature it might happen that the lever (23) would be actuated unintentionally to remove the supports of the guide posts and permitthe section (15) to fall by gravity upon operators working on the elevator platform. This platform (16) is provided with lifting supports (27) which are preferably located on one end only, andthis at the outer end but, manifestly, they could be provided at other'points as at the inner end; or at both ends. I The platform is provided with apron (28) which has upstanding mounting members (29) (Fig. 11). In these upstanding mounting members is a shaft (30) on which are wheels (31) and these in turnareoperatively disposed in guides Roller on the end portion of the platform facilitates the sliding of theapron endwise of the platform to connect with the deck of the vessel. This apron normally resting on the floor of the elevator platform is manifestly adapted to I be moved endwise to extend the platform to such-extent'as may be required.

Hoisting drums (3 1 and fixedly mounted on the shaft (36) are adapted to cured to the inner end portion of the elevator platform, and al o cables (39 and 40) which are operatively secured to the outer end portion of the platform. Cablesheaves ed to counterweight which is operative 1y connected to the lower end portions of 7 lifting supports (27) by means of the eyes in lugs (46). This arrangement of the coui1- terweights being secured to the cables, which have a sliding engagement with the platform parts provides positively for the'cables to be at all times connected'to the platform, and I thus a safety feature is assured. Counten' weights (4:3 and 45) function to keep hoisting cable linestaut at all times when the elevator is used'as an inclined slip or ramp as hereinafter described.

The telescoping guides, which prevent sidewise swinging of the elevator and compel the longitudinal axis of the platform to move in one vertical plane, have a fixed member (47) (Fig. 7) and movable member (48).

The movable telescoping guide members (48) have projecting flanges (49 which engage the top portion of the elevator platform (16) whereby said guide members are carried with the platform when it moves upwardly.

Shaft (36) (Fig. 5) is connected through gear (78) to a worm gear (50) which provides the well known self-locking efiect and I this in turn is connected by sulta-ble gear mechanism (51) to motor(10). Drums (3d and '35) are preferably providedwith counterweights (53 and 54). Standard automatic hatchway limit switch (55) (Fig. .10)

is tripped by member (56), said'switch being electrically connected with a standard'brake (57) so that the motor is automatically stopped when it is desired to prevent the platform (16) from rising above a predeter mined position such as the level of the dock. When it is deslredto have the elevatormove above such point the switch is manually operated topermit such rising of the elevator which would be necessary in the present instance to allow the elevator to move up to engage the underside of section (15) to lift said section sothat it can be lowered into position as will be hereinafter more fully described. Such standard automatic hatchis being manually held open. receive the hoisting cables (37 and 38) se- The throwout mechanism will I16Xtl36 described. A connector means on each side of the elevator platform as a cable (58) is secured to bracket (59) at one end of the elevator, and the other end of said connector which pivotally connected with push-brad ing arm (62) on the opposite end to the movable members of the telescoping guides (48) V (Fig. 4 I

A sheave (63) (Figs. 1 and 4) is mounted near the top of guide over which cable (64) passes to sheave (65) to drum (66) which may be actuated by means of a crank (67). A cable means similar in all respect to (64) is disposed on the opposite side of the elevator. The lower end of this cable (64) is connected to a counterweight (68), the cable passing through an eye (69) in the mounting of member (61).

The connector means telescoping movable member (48), push-bracing arm (62), guide (60), and the cable (64), and its associated sheaves and drums constitute the adjustable throwout mechanism of the elevator, i. e., by this means the elevator platform (16) may be caused to move outwardly to span the space between the dock and the deck of the vessel which may be held away from contacting the deck by means of fender logs (70), abutting against fender pile (79).

When it is desired to convert the elevator platform (16) into an inclined slip or ramp, the elevator platform (16) is moved to a position above the level of the dock and a lever (71) is turned to throw out holding mechanism (72) (Fig. 4) which is here shown in the form of dogs which engage end plate (73) secured to the platform.

When it is desired to have the outer end of the elevator platform in elevated position with respect to the level of the dock. a holding means (74) (Fig. 12) here illustrated as a chain, one end being secured to the lower end portion of the lifting supports (27), is secured to the dock frame (18) by hook (77) (thereby being adjustable since it is possible to hook any of the links of the chain 74 in the hook 77) so as to maintain said outer end of the elevator in elevated position as may be desired.

An apron (75) with similar mounting means in all respects to apron (28), is provided on the dock level.

The operation of many parts of the elevator embodying my invention has already been described, so there remains to be described only the mode of operating the elevator as a whole.

Assuming that the level of the deck of the vessel is below the level of the dock as illus trated in Fig. 1, the first step is to lift the dock section (15) in the elevated position so that the elevator platform (16) will be free to be employed in lifting freight from the level of the deck of the vessel to the level of the dock. To do this the elevator platform (16) being disposed against the under side of the dock section (15) as shown in Fig. 2, is elevated by means of causing the motor (10) to actuate hoisting drums (34 and 35) which wind up the inner and outer hoisting cables (37, 38. 39 and 40). Thus dock section (15) is lifted to elevated position shown in Fig. 2, and when elevated the lever (23) is actuated to bring the removable supports (19) directly beneath the posts (17) and then the elevator platform is lowered and the posts (17) descend into seating position in the pockets formed by the flanges (26). In this manner the dock section (15) is maintained in elevated position out of the way of the working of the elevator platform thereunder. This elevated dock section (15) may be employed to permit the unloading of passengers from an upper deck of the vessel to the second floor of the dockshed. (not shown) or freight may be trucked across this elevated dock section. Furthermore, said elevated dock section is useful as a covering against rain and storm while the unloading of freight by the elevator is in progress. The elevator is then lowered below the level of the dock and apron (75) is caused to extend over the elevator platform opening (76), commonly known as well opening. Likewise apron (28) is pushed outwardly.

The flange (49) on telescoping movable member (48) now lowered by means of crank (67) to the position taught by experience to give the necessary throwout to the elevator platform (16) to bring the outer end of the platform in engaging position with the deck of the vessel by means of the apron (28). The dotted curved line Fig. 3 indicates the path of travel of the platform from the level of the vessels deck to the level of the dock. It is manifest that the point at which the elevator platform begins to throw out depends upon the level at which the flange (49) is disposed. Since the connector means (58) establishes a fixed relation between the bracket (59) and the flange (49), flange (49) being the point about which the bracket (59) oscillates with the connector means (58) representing the radius. Manifestly, therefore. the degree of throwout of the elevator platform as well as the point at which said throwout is to take place, can both be readily adjustable by means of the throwout mechanism herein described. If it is desirable to have the throwout begin near the level of the hoisting sheaves (41 and 42) it is necessary to extend the telescoping movable members (48) above the level of the dock. To provide the proper brace for these supports while thus elevated the push-bracing member (62) is provided-the fixed guide (60) functioning as a base against which said push-bracing arm may operate in supporting the telescoping movable members (48). This construction of the throwout means is characterized by a smoothness of throwout movement as contrasted with a sudden jolt action at the commencement of the throwout.

The mode of operation of the elevator when it is desired to be used as a slip or inclined ramp extending from the level of the dock to the level of the vessel is as follows: The elevator platform is elevated to a position above the level of the dock and lever (71) is actuated to move holding mechanism (72) into a forwardly will engage end plate (73) and hold thisvlend cables in taut relation and the elevator platform (16) is thus converted into a rigidl disposed inclined slip or ramp. When it is desired to have the outer end of the elevator platform (16) in a position above the level of the dock so that the elevator platform (16) is to serve as an inclined slip or ramp down to the level of the dock, the elevator platform (16) is moved up to the elevated position desired and the chain (74) is secured to the dock frame (18) by means of a hook (7 7 and then the hoisting cables are paid out which lets down the inner end of the elevator platform (16) until it engages the holding means (72) With the elevator platform in this position the counterweight means (45) would descend below the lower end portions of the lifting supports ('27) thereby maintaining the outer hoistin cables (59 and 40) taut.

The final step would be to replace the dock section (15) into position. This is done by causing the elevator platform (16) to move up against the dock section (15) and; lift it slightly to assume its weight, whereupon the lever (23) is actuatedto move the seats of the removable supports from immediately a beneath the posts (see Fig. 1) whereupon the elevator is lowered and thereby carrying down with it the dock section (15) until it resumes its initial position.

It will be observed that the dock section 15 may be elevated to any desired predetermined level above the main dock floor whereby ample clearance will be provided for using the elevator platform 16 to lift freight above the dock level itself to any desired level as when handling freight to or from a truck.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions, and arrangement of the parts of my invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

I claim: e 1. A marine elevator embodying an elevator platform having downwardly disposed lifting supports; cable means to raise and lower said platform; drums on which said cables may be wound; power means to actuate said drum; throwout means embodying (a) a telescoping guide composed of a fixed and movable member; (7)) connector means joining one end of said elevator platform to one end of said movable guide member; and (5) means to elevate said movable telescoping guide member.

2. A marine elevator embodying an eleva tor platform having downwardly disposed lifting supports; lifting sheaves cable means directed position where it passingover said sheaves whereby said platform israised and lowered, said platform being capable of being elevated above said lifting sheavesby means of said lifting supports; -drums on which said cables maybe and telescoping guides comprising a fixed and movable member for said platform, said guides having platform engaging means whereby said movable member may be carried up and down. i

3. A marine elevator embodying an'elevator platform; cable means to raise and lower said platform; drums on which said cables may be wound; power means to actuate said drums; and throwout means embodying (a) a telescopingguide composed of a fixed and movable member; (6) connector means joining one end of said elevator platform to one end of said movable guide member; and (0) means to adj usta'bly dispose said movable telescoping guide member, whereby said platform may be moved outwardly at any point e woiund'fpower means to actuate said drums; I

intermediate the travel of said elevator and drums; and throwout means embodying (a) a telescoping guide composed of a fixed and movable member; connector means joining one end of said elevator platform toone end "of said movable guide member; a second guide member; i a push-bracing arm having one end secured to one end of said movable guide member and one end slidably disposed on said second guide member; and

(e) a cable means whereby said push-bracing arm may beadjustably disposed.

5. A marine elevator embodying an elevator platform; cable meansto raise and lower said platform; drums; on which said cables may be wound; powermeans to actuate said drums; and throwout means embodying (a) a telescoping ing one end of said'elevator platform to one end of said movable guide member; (0) a second guide member; (d) a push-bracing arm having one end securedto said movable guide memberfand having the other end provided with a sliding member operatively disposed to move along sa d second gulde and pro vided witha cable engaging means; and (e) guide composed of a fixed and movable member; (5) connector means 30mcable means whereby s aid'pushebracing arm may be adj ustably disposed, said cable being operatively disposed in said cable engaging means of'said push-bracing arm whereby the samermaintains the said puSh-bracing'arm on a predetermined elevation and said cable 4 having means which keeps the same taut at allitim'es. I

6. A marlne elevator embodying an elevatorplatform having downwardly disposed lifting supports; inner and outer hoisting cable means to raise and lower said platform; drums on which said cables may be wound; power means to actuate said drums; means whereb one end of said platform may be revolva ly supported about a fixed pivot while the opposite end is lowered or raised; and a counterweight means disposed beneath said platform to which the inner hoisting cables are attached, said hoisting cables being free to ass through said platform whereby said cab es are maintained taut at all times.

7. Same as claim 6 and, means for compensatilg the varying lengths of the hoistmg cables.

A marine elevator embodying an elevator platform having downwardly dised lifting supports; lifting sheaves; an inner and outer hoisting cable means pass ing over said sheaves whereby said platform is raised and lowered said platform being capable of being elevated above said lifting sheaves by means of said lifting supports; drums on which said cables may be wound; power means to actuate said drums; means wherebyflone end of said platform may be revolva y supported about a fixed pivot while the opposite end is lowered or raised; a counterweight means disposed beneath said platform to which the inner hoisting cables are attached, said hoisting cables being free to pass through said platform; a counterweight means disposed beneath said lifting supports to which the outer hoisting cables are attached said hoisting cables being free to through their engaging ends of said lifting sup orts; and means to support one end of sais platform above said hoisting sheaves whereby an incline downwardly to the dock level is rovided.

9. A marine e evator embodying an ele vator platform having downwardly disposed lifting supports; lifting sheaves; cable means passing over said sheaves whereby said platform may be raised and lowered said platform being capable of being elevated above said-lifting sheaves by means of said lifti supports; drums on which said cables may e wound; power means to actuate said drums; a movable dock deck section disposed above said platform and engageable y said platform whereby said section may be raised and lowered supporting guide posts fixedly mounted on said section; supports operatively disposed with respect to said posts whereby said section may be supported in elevated position above said platform.

10. In a marine elevator the combination of an elevator l'atform having guide members laterally isposed on the end portion thereof and an apron having mounting means secured on the top of said apron operatively dis sed in said guide members, whereby sai agron is adjustable mounted to swing upwar 1y above the plane of said platform HARRY BAR-LOW. 

